The Steel Gown

Daddy fastened the stiff, heavy layers around me, promising it was my royal gown for the New World—a shield against all malice. We rode a roaring steel beast across the badlands, outrunning the screaming monsters with the flashing red and blue eyes. I felt like a warrior princess. Every time I pointed my finger and squeezed, a beautiful spark bloomed behind us, keeping the monsters at bay. It was our private fireworks show. When the beast finally collapsed, panting and broken, I stepped out in my magnificent gown, ready for the crowd to cheer. I walked toward them to accept my crown. But why did the applause sound like deafening thunder? And why does my chest burn so much? I was a good girl. I did exactly what Daddy said.